Submissions are actually open for the second annual Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Versatile Packaging Innovation. The award, sponsored by Skjodt-Barrett Foods, yearly honors a high innovator in versatile packaging. BNP Media will current the award on the 2026 Global Pouch Forum, happening Could 27-29, 2026, in Clearwater Seaside, Fla. (meet the inaugural 2025 Steve Fairfield Memorial Award winner, Steve Gosling).
Along with presenting an outline of the profitable innovation on the 2026 International Pouch Discussion board, the 2026 award recipient would be the focus of a characteristic article within the August 2026 concern of Packaging Methods, and presumably in an related sister BNP Media publication, together with Beverage Business, Dairy Meals, The Nationwide Provisioner, or Snack Meals & Wholesale Bakery, the place relevant.
Versatile packaging is an innovation chief throughout the patron packaged items (CPG) {industry}. Versatile packaging codecs have the power to offer vital value financial savings associated to warehousing and distribution. Developments in versatile packaging design additionally allow sturdy branding alternatives. Comfort is also a key supporting good thing about versatile packaging, with all kinds of packaging customizations permitting for seamless end-user interactions. Every of those areas of the {industry} are scorching spots for innovation throughout versatile packaging right now.
Nevertheless, lately, sustainability is among the high the explanation why CPG model house owners undertake versatile packaging for his or her product traces. Sustainability — together with the power to commercially compost and/or recycle the bundle — is a main focus for versatile packaging innovation throughout the provision chain right now. Latest developments have aligned versatile packaging as a go-to possibility for CPG firms searching for to align their packaging selections with the sustainability necessities established by prolonged producer accountability (EPR) packages in numerous U.S. states and abroad. EPR laws, which imposes charges primarily based on the end-of-life plan for all CPG packaging, continues to broaden throughout the worldwide {industry} as the subsequent step in constructing a really round financial system (for extra on EPR laws, see the Extended Producer Responsibility page on the Packaging Methods web site).
Beverage producers and distributors can see vital value financial savings by adopting versatile pouch packaging for juices, smoothies, sports activities drinks, wine, spirits and extra. Some latest new product launches that includes superior versatile pouch packaging embody progressive use of attention-attracting versatile pouch product graphics, as seen with the Kool-Aid Jammers glow-in-the-dark pouch packaging design and Capri-Sun Moon Punch with a Snapchat code embedded within the glow-in-the-dark pouch graphics customers can scan for a free giveaway.
Capri-Solar lately launched recyclable pouch packaging for its merchandise, highlighting the truth that the brand new pouch is 5 occasions lighter than the same quantity of product in a PET bottle, considerably lowering related distribution prices (see the Sustainability page on the Capri-Solar European web site for extra particulars).
All improvements associated to versatile packaging, for meals and/or non-food merchandise, are eligible for the award. Submissions by versatile packaging converters, suppliers, and CPG model house owners are welcome. To qualify for consideration, nominations should meet the next standards:
• Should embody new packaging supplies and/or options that advance the {industry} (launched for business utility between 1/1/2025 and 12/31/2025)
• Should embody a significant stage of innovation, reminiscent of increasing using versatile packaging, enhancing sustainability, extending shelf life, enhancing end-user performance or comfort, and/or enhancing operational effectivity
• Solely versatile packaging codecs, together with pouches, baggage, movie, pillow packs, sachets, and so on., shall be thought-about
• Recipient should have the ability to attend the 2026 International Pouch Discussion board to current on the innovation
• Recipient should be keen to take part in an interview for a characteristic article on the innovation in August 2026 concern of Packaging Methods, in addition to presumably an related sister BNP Media publication, together with Beverage Business, Dairy Meals, The Nationwide Provisioner, or Snack Meals & Wholesale Bakery, the place relevant
Nominations for the 2026 Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Versatile Packaging Innovation will stay open via 1/31/26.
To appoint an innovation for the 2026 Steve Fairfield Memorial Award for Versatile Packaging Innovation, go to the submission page on the Packaging Methods web site.
For extra details about International Pouch Discussion board and to register for the occasion, go to www.packagingstrategies.com/global-pouch-forum.
Concerning the Steve Fairfield Memorial Innovation Award
Steve Fairfield was a versatile packaging innovator who left an indelible mark on the infant meals and fruit purée industries. His entrepreneurial and visionary contributions helped reshape the versatile pouch panorama. Steve’s ardour and innovation have been instrumental within the early adoption of spouted, stand-up pouches by main international manufacturers within the {industry}. This packaging format is now ubiquitous inside the child meals and fruit snack classes. Steve handed away in Could 2024, forsaking a legacy that may encourage {industry} innovators for generations. To be taught extra in regards to the 2025 award winner, see “Meet the Inaugural Steve Fairfield Memorial Award Winner: Steve Gosling.”
About International Pouch Discussion board
Global Pouch Forum, organized by The Packaging Group at BNP Media, launched in 1997, with the foresight that the versatile pouch would turn into a dominant power in packaging. Now, after 29 years of experience and innovation, International Pouch Discussion board stays the go-to occasion to get probably the most up-to-date info from consultants and to community with leaders and innovators who develop, provide, purchase, or suggest versatile supplies, together with pouches, movies, and equipment. This annual occasion is the gateway to present and rising innovation within the versatile packaging market, together with the ever-growing alternatives for utilizing pouch packaging for meals, beverage, private care, magnificence, family, healthcare, medical and different shopper packaged items (CPGs).
About Skjodt-Barrett Meals
Since 1985, Skjodt-Barrett Foods has had the honour and privilege of partnering with North America’s most-beloved meals manufacturers as a number one supplier of customized substances and contract manufacturing. With industry-leading services in Lebanon, Ind., and Brampton, Ontario, its customized ingredient and contract-manufacturing groups assist create enriching meals experiences that may encourage generations to return.
